Both tequila and agave wine are distilled spirits made from the agave plant. However, there are some key differences between the two in how they are produced, their alcohol content, taste, and uses.
What is Agave Wine?
Agave wine, sometimes called agave nectar wine, is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of agave plants. The main agave species used to make agave wine is Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant.
To make agave wine, the agave hearts or piñas are first roasted, similar to how it’s done for tequila production. The roasted agave is then pressed or mashed to extract the agave juice. This sweet agave juice is fermented, usually for 1-2 weeks, to convert the natural sugars into alcohol.
The end product is an agave wine that typically has an alcohol content between 6-12%. It has a sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of the raw agave nectar. Popular varietals of agave wine include Pulque and Salmiana from Mexico.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily the Agave tequilana species. It carries an Appellation of Origin certifying it is only produced in specific regions of Mexico.
To make tequila, the agave hearts are roasted, then shredded and juice is extracted. This agave juice undergoes fermentation and then a second distillation process. The distilled spirit is aged in oak barrels, with time periods defining categories like blanco (unaged), reposado (aged 2-12 months), and añejo (aged 1-3 years).
Tequila typically has an alcohol content between 35-55%. Its flavors are strongly influenced by the roasting process, with smoke and peppery notes. Premium tequilas are 100% agave, while mixtos can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars.
Differences Between Agave Wine and Tequila
Here are some of the key differences between agave wine and tequila:
Alcohol content
Agave wine has a much lower alcohol percentage, usually 6-12%, compared to tequila’s 35-55% alcohol.
Distillation
Agave wine is fermented but not distilled. Tequila goes through a distillation process after initial fermentation.
Ingredients
Agave wine is made purely from fermented agave juice. Tequila requires fermenting and distilling the agave juice or sugars.
Flavor
Agave wine tastes sweeter and fruitier, retaining the raw agave flavor. Tequila has stronger roasted flavors from cooking the agave and tastes drier.
Production
Agave wine can be made anywhere. True tequila only comes from certain regions in Mexico.
Uses
Agave wine is enjoyed on its own, similar to other fruity wines. Tequila is usually used for cocktails, shots, and margaritas.
Comparing Agave Wine and Tequila
This table summarizes some of the key differences between agave wine and tequila:
| Characteristic | Agave Wine | Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol content | 6-12% | 35-55% |
| Ingredients | Fermented agave juice | Fermented and distilled agave juice |
| Flavor | Fruity, sweet | Strong agave, smoke |
| Production region | Anywhere | Certain regions of Mexico |
| Uses | Enjoyed on its own | Cocktails, shots, margaritas |
Making Agave Wine and Tequila
The production processes for agave wine and tequila share some similarities but diverge in key steps:
Agave wine
Agave wine production involves:
- Harvesting agave hearts (piñas)
- Cooking/roasting the agave piñas
- Mashing or pressing the agave to extract juice
- Fermenting the agave juice for 1-2 weeks
- Bottling the finished agave wine
Tequila
Tequila production involves:
- Harvesting agave and removing agave hearts
- Cooking the agave piñas in ovens
- Crushing the cooked agave and extracting juices
- Fermenting the agave juice
- Distilling the fermented wash at least twice
- Potentially aging the distilled tequila in oak barrels
- Blending, filtering, and bottling the finished tequila
The key extra steps for tequila are the distillation and aging processes that give it a higher alcohol content and more complex flavored spirit compared to the relatively simple production of agave wine.
Taste and Flavor
The different production methods significantly impact the taste and flavors of agave wine versus tequila:
Agave Wine Flavor
Agave wine retains the fruity, floral, and sweet notes from the raw agave juice. It tastes similar to other fruit-based wines like plum, cherry, or apple wine. The sweetness comes from the natural agave sugars that are fermented into alcohol.
Tequila Flavor
Tequila has stronger agave flavors along with oak, vanilla, and spice notes from barrel aging. The roasting process imparts smoky and peppery flavors. Blanco tequila highlights the vegetal, earthy agave notes, while reposado and añejo are mellower and smoother from the barrel aging.
Cocktail Uses
Agave wine and tequila are both used in cocktails, though in different ways:
Agave Wine Cocktails
The lower alcohol and fruity profile of agave wine make it suitable for agave wine sangria, spritzers, and margaritas. It can be substituted in cocktails in place of fruiter liqueurs and wines. Popular cocktails include:
- Agave wine sangria with fruit juices and slices
- Agave wine spritzers with soda water, fruit, and herbs
- Sparkling agave wine cocktails as a lower alcohol mimosa
- Agave wine margaritas with lime juice and agave nectar
Tequila Cocktails
Tequila’s bold flavor stands up well in spirit-forward cocktails. As a distilled spirit, it is commonly mixed with citrus, fruit juices, liqueurs, and sugar syrups. Classic tequila cocktails include:
- Margaritas – tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur
- Palomas – tequila, grapefruit soda, lime
- Tequila Sunrise – tequila, orange juice, grenadine
- Mexican Mule – tequila, ginger beer, lime
Regional Ties
Agave wine and tequila both originate from Mexico but have different regional ties today:
Agave Wine Regions
Agave wine can be made anywhere agave plants are found. Traditional agave wine varieties like Pulque come from the central Mexico region around Mexico City and Hidalgo. Salmiana agave wine hails from the San Luis Potosi state.
However, agave wine is also produced from imported agave plants in South Africa, Thailand, Australia, and other countries. There are no regulations on geographic origin for agave wine as there are for tequila.
Tequila Regions
True tequila can only be produced in specific geographic regions of Mexico as per its protected Appellation of Origin status. This includes areas of Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas.
The main tequila producing areas are located around the city of Tequila in Jalisco state. Tequila town is where the largest concentration of distilleries exist along with blue agave fields dotting the countryside.
Popularity and Consumption
Tequila is much more widely known and consumed worldwide compared to agave wine:
Agave Wine Popularity
Agave wine has limited awareness and availability outside Mexico. While growing in popularity, it comprises a very small fraction of worldwide wine and spirit consumption.
Certain styles like Pulque have deep historical and cultural significance in Mexico. But agave wine has not broken through to international markets the way tequila has.
Tequila Popularity
Tequila has seen rapidly rising global popularity and consumption over the past two decades. It is one of the fastest growing spirit categories.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, tequila volumes have risen over 500% in the US since 2002 reaching 18.9 million cases in 2021. It is the 4th highest selling spirit category behind vodka, whiskey, and rum.
Premium 100% agave tequila is driving growth as consumers appreciate quality tequila in cocktails and for sipping. Tequila’s perception has shifted from a cheap party drink to an artisinal, authentic Mexican spirit.
Prices and Costs
Agave wine is generally cheaper to purchase than tequila:
Agave Wine Price
As a relatively unknown niche product, agave wine is very affordable. It costs $10-20 per 750ml bottle on average. Some higher end artisanal agave wines may cost up to $40-50 per bottle.
Tequila Prices
There is a wide range of prices for tequila depending on quality tier:
- Value tequilas cost $15-30 per 750ml bottle
- Premium tequilas tend to be $30-60 per bottle
- Super-premium and luxury tequilas can cost $60-300 per bottle
Top shelf extra añejo tequilas aged over 3 years in quality oak barrels command premium pricing due to their refined complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Here is a nutritional comparison between agave wine and tequila:
| Nutrition Facts | Agave Wine (5 oz) | Tequila (1.5 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 100 |
| Carbs | 12 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 10 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g |
Key differences:
- Agave wine has more calories and carbohydrates due to its residual sugar content.
- Tequila has no carbohydrates or sugars left after distillation.
- Both have minimal protein and no fat.
Is One Healthier?
Neither agave wine nor tequila is an especially healthy beverage choice:
- Both contain alcohol, which should be consumed in moderation.
- Agave wine is high in sugars, similar to other wines.
- Tequila has no nutrients and provides empty calories.
Some possible health benefits of moderate intake include:
- Agave wine contains antioxidants from the agave plant.
- Tequila may aid digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Overall, both should be enjoyed responsibly and in small amounts as part of a balanced diet. For health, hydrating beverages like water or tea are recommended over alcoholic drinks.
Sustainability Impacts
Agave wine and tequila production both place demands on agave plants and environmental resources:
- Agave plants can take 5-8 years to mature before harvest.
- Land conversion for agave farming affects biodiversity.
- Agave cooking and distilling require substantial water usage.
- Waste products must be properly managed.
However, many distillers are adopting sustainable practices such as:
- Efficient water recycling and waste management
- Using renewable energy sources
- Returning agave waste as compost to fields
- Planting additional trees to offset carbon emissions
Consumers can look for organic certified, sustainable, and fair trade agave wine and tequila products to help support responsible production.
Conclusion
While agave wine and tequila both originate from agave plants, they are distinctly different beverages in terms of production methods, alcohol content, flavor profiles and uses.
Agave wine is a lighter, fruitier drink made by fermenting agave juice and best enjoyed as wine. Real tequila is a more complex spirit requiring distillation and aging that works excellently in cocktails.
Tequila has achieved global popularity, while agave wine remains a niche product. But both offer a taste of authentic Mexican culture and cuisine.
The key takeaway is that agave wine and tequila are related but distinct agave products, appealing to different drinking preferences. So sip, savor and salud to finding your perfect agave drink!